As lighting designers, we’re always happy to meet a photographer who exploits that light for all it’s worth! Quite literally, photography is sometimes game of “catch” between the DJ, MC, Lighting Designer, Couple, Guests, and Photographer — and the photographer is the one doing all the catching! We create a lighting design that carefully considers the existing light in the space to create a lightscape for a photographer to “catch” and our Master of Ceremonies works with our Disc Jockey to help the couple, family, and friends create memorable moments in time throughout the evening for the photographer to “catch.” The very best in the field know that their awareness of the light and action around them is what enables them to “catch” the light, “catch” the moments, and capture them on “film,” to enjoy forever. And Larry? Larry is indeed one of the very best, as his many accolades attest; just check out his bio at the end of this article.

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It’s common among talented visual artists who communicate through images to sometimes be less-communicative through the spoken word — that’s where we get the quiet, brooding, “tortured artist” stereotype — but nothing could be further from the truth with Larry, despite his somewhat pensive self-portrait, above. 😉 Larry is very, very passionate about his art, of course, but he’s also quick-witted and excitable — the kind of person that talks about his work and describes it so thoroughly and so well that you start to get really excited about photography, yourself!

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This characteristic is probably why Larry is a sought-after public speaker in the photography community both locally and beyond. Larry serves as an educator to his peers, offering seminars independently, as well as through several professional organizations including Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO) and the Akron Society of Professional Photographers (ASPP).

Even in the most modest surroundings, Larry’s images are dramatic, compelling. They have a raw, photojournalistic quality, but it’s wrapped up in a whole lot of ART!

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Want to see a few? Read on for the full interview and more amazing photos by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

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A Dramatically-Lit Wedding Portrait by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

Getting Ready. A Beautiful Bride Puts on her Shoes. Photography by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

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Something New Entertainment’s DJ Anna-Jeannine “AJ9” Herman: What first interested you in photography?
Spencer Photography’s Larry Spencer: The idea of freezing a moment in time for posterity really intrigued me. When I realized that those moments can be elevated to an art form intrigued further still. Wedding photography encompasses every form of photography: portraiture; photo-journalism; still life; fashion; landscape and on and on. Combine all of that and that is what drew me to wedding photography, specifically.

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DJ AJ9: How long have you been photographing weddings?

LS: 13 years.

A Bride and Her Mirror Image by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

DJ AJ9: How would you describe your photographic style?

LS: We attempt to take timeless images.

DJ AJ9: What do you enjoy most about being a wedding photographer?

LS: The variety and especially our clients.

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A Stunning Bridal Portrait of a Bride in her Wedding Gown by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

DJ AJ9: What is the most important consideration couples should make when hiring a wedding photographer?

LS: How important is photography to them? You can get a “photographer” anywhere and you can get them pretty cheaply, nowadays. It’s harder to find an artist with their own unique style that will document your day in a very unique way and those are the ones’ whose service becomes more of an investment.

DJ AJ9: What are some ways that couples can prepare for their wedding day to help ensure better photos?

Larry Spencer: Without a doubt it’s their engagement session, which we include in our service.

Cheers! A Toast Captured by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

DJ AJ9: What’s your favorite “must capture” moment during the day?Larry Spencer: That would be any unexpected or unplanned moment. A moment that the photograph will help the client relive and moves the client after the event is long past.

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Capturing the Light. Photo by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

Cause to Celebrate. Photo by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

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DJ AJ9: What do you look for in a great DJ and what are your DJ pet peeves? How can your DJ “co-workers” help you, hurt you, or irritate you throughout the day?
LS: The best DJs know that it’s a group effort amoungst all of the vendors. They work with all of the vendors to ensure that the client’s experience is smooth and enjoyable. The really good, experienced vendors understand that the only thing that matters is the client’s satisfaction. All elements must work together in order to truly make that happen. And, although we can be very passionate about our individual duties, if we remain client-focused, I don’t see how we can go wrong. And, I’ve seen you with rolled up sleeves. That’s some serious business!

About Larry Spencer and Spencer Photography: Larry Spencer is President/CEO of Spencer Photography Inc. Larry has been a professional photographer for over 13 years. Larry obtained his Master Of Photography (M.Photog) degree from the Professional Photographers of America and is an Ohio Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) . He has gone 4 for 4 the last 3 years in PPA Print Competition earning Bronze, Gold, and Silver status respectively. He has ranked in the Top 10 Professional Photographers in the state of Ohio by PPO for the last 2 years in a row. He won the Robert Graetz Memorial award at the 2011 and 2012 PPO state competition for the highest scoring wedding print (he scored a 97 at PPANE Regional’s in Connecticut in 2011). He also won the Professional Photographers of Northwestern Ohio award for the most outstanding wedding image in that same competition for both 2011 and 2012. Larry had 2 images in the top 10 in the “Wedding” Category in 2012 PPA Grand Imaging awards (He placed 2nd and 7th). He has twice ranked in the top 25 in the Creative Asia International Print Competition being the only American in the Top 25 in 2012. Larry has been featured on a number of blogs and magazines and also appeared on the Cleveland morning television show “New Day Cleveland”. To date, Larry has 4 PPA Loan Prints and one Fuji Masterpiece award. He currently resides with his fiancée, Marie, in the Cleveland area.

Self-Portrait by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

Cause to Celebrate. Photo by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

Capturing the Light. Photo by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.

Getting Ready. A Beautiful Bride Puts on her Shoes. Photography by Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.